Beijing, China.- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Miguel Diaz-Canel on his election as the President of the Republic of Cuba, and highlighted the friendship between the two peoples while reiterating the willingness to work together to strengthen bilateral ties.

In his message, Xi assured that the two countries are good friends, partners and brothers, and had built a solid fraternity for over 50 years, with sincere trust and sharing the same destiny.

He also confirmed his willingness to expand bilateral cooperation and further promote the stability of the ties between the two socialist States.

Xi Jinping also spoke with Raul Castro, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, and conveyed his greetings following the success of the 4th Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament), held on Thursday to elect the leadership of the country.

China attaches great importance to the development of relations with Cuba, is willing to maintain communication with Raul and jointly write a new chapter in the friendship between our two nations, the Chinese president said.

Diaz-Canel was elected on Thursday as the President of the Republic of Cuba by an absolute majority in a free, direct and secret vote during the parliamentary session.

The legislative body also approved Salvador Valdes as Vice President of the Republic and both leaders received a mandate through 2023, when the current legislature of the Cuban Parliament ends.

The vote was a result of the new State leadership structure as established in the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba approved by the Cuban population in February, which came into force following its approval by the ANPP in April of this year.